President-elect Donald Trump is set to be sworn into office on Monday, and this inauguration appears to have a different atmosphere compared to his first in 2017, which reportedly faced challenges in securing high-profile performers.
Several well-known artists are scheduled to participate in this year’s four days of festivities.
Here are the top five musical acts performing at inauguration events:
Carrie Underwood performs during Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025 held in Times Square on December 31, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/WireImage)
1. Carrie Underwood
Country music star Carrie Underwood, who gained fame as the winner of "American Idol" two decades ago, is scheduled to perform "America the Beautiful" during the swearing-in ceremony.
In a statement to USA Today, Underwood expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
Donald Trump with Christopher MacchioCredit: Christopher Macchio on X
2. Christopher Macchio
Classical tenor Christopher Macchio will perform the national anthem during the swearing-in ceremony.
Sign up for The Fulcrum newsletter
Macchio told CBS New York he believes in the unifying power of music. "That is a primary goal of mine, to deliver a performance that can hopefully have that kind of effect and make people really proud to be a citizen of this great country," he said.
This will not be Macchio's first performance for the President-elect. He previously sang at the Republican rally at Madison Square Garden in October 2024, delivering a rendition of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York."
Lee Greenwood performs during CMA Fest 2024 at Ascend Amphitheater on June 08, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
3. Lee Greenwood
Lee Greenwood, known for his Grammy-winning song "I.O.U." from 1984, is set to perform at the swearing-in ceremony and the Make America Great Again Victory Rally. Over the years, Greenwood has received five additional Grammy nominations and was prominently featured at the Republican National Convention held in Milwaukee last summer.
Greenwood will perform his hit song "God Bless the USA" during the inauguration Monday, he confirmed Wednesday on Fox News.
"I am humbled and honored to be asked to perform for our 47th President Donald J. Trump during his inaugural events," Greenwood said in a statement Wednesday to USA TODAY. "The President has been a friend of (wife Kimberly Payne) and I's for many years and this is one of the most historical moments in our lifetime. I look forward to celebrating this special day with proud Americans everywhere."
Kid Rock performs during the Republican National Convention on Thursday, July 18, 2024. (Jason Almond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
4. Kid Rock
Kid Rock, a vocal supporter of Trump since his first term and a performer at the Republican National Convention, is scheduled to take the stage at the Make America Great Again Victory Rally. Last summer, the Michigan singer-songwriter headlined the Rock the Country touring festival, highlighting the intersection of MAGA politics and country music.
The announcement of Rock—born Robert James Ritchie—as a performer for the concert on the eve of Trump’s inauguration was anticipated. The 54-year-old musician has been a prominent supporter of Trump since the former reality TV star-turned-politician won the presidential election in 2016.
Before the Republican primaries had even kicked off that year, Rock—born Robert James Ritchie voiced his support for the former “Apprentice” host, 78.
“I’m digging Donald Trump,” he told Rolling Stone at the time. “My feeling: Let the business guy run it like a business. And his campaign has been entertaining as s–t.”
Village People Musical group perform during the Boogietown Festival at Apps Court Farm. (Photo by Bonnie Britain/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
5. Village People
The disco band Village People, featuring surviving original member Victor Willis, is set to perform at two events: the Make America Great Again Victory Rally and the Liberty Ball. Their 1978 hit "Y.M.C.A." became a popular fixture at Trump's campaign rallies, even inspiring a viral dance.
In a Facebook post, Willis, who wrote the song's lyrics, noted that the campaign's use of the song significantly increased its popularity, helping it reach the top of the Billboard dance digital song sales chart.
"We know this won't make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics," a statement posted to both Willis' and the group's official pages reads. "Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost.
Nearly 15 performers are expected to headline the many inauguration celebrations.
Hugo Balta is the executive editor of the Fulcrum, and the publisher of the Latino News Network.
